Stephen A. Lawrence <[email protected]> wrote: But my opinion is the only one I've got, so naturally, I believe it. >
You have no choice. Belief is not voluntary. A person cannot persuade himself that 2+2 does not equal 4. That is the problem with some arguments in favor of religion such as "Pascal's wager." Pascal cannot choose to believe or not believe. But when you are aware that other people who appear to be experts disagree, it should give you pause. Of course experts are sometimes wrong. Also, you have to watch out for a logical fallacy, "Fallacious Appeal to Authority, Misuse of Authority:" http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/appeal-to-authority.html Some people think that citing any authority is an invalid argument. They confuse a fallacious appeal to an actual, valid appeal. - Jed
